Basics: Styles of the Blues, a Blues Glossary, and the Eras of the Blues

By Reverend Keith A. Gordon, About.com Guide to Blues

The basics of the blues, including the various styles of blues music, a glossary of blues terms, and descriptions of the different eras of the blues as well as information on blues music festivals.

1. Blues Styles
2. Blues Glossary
3. Early Blues Era (1910-1950)
4. Modern Blues Era (1950-1980)
5. Blues-Rock (1960-present)

Blues Styles

Descriptions of the various regional styles that make up the blues.

• The Roots of the Blues
• Mississippi Delta Blues
• Chicago Blues
• Piedmont Blues
• Country Blues

Blues Glossary

A glossary of commonly-used blues terms, including Delta slang and musical definitions.

• Blues Music
• Boogie-Woogie
• Cuttin' Heads
• Delta (Mississippi Delta)

• Harp (Harmonica)
• Highway 61
• Juke Joint
• Parchman Farm

Early Blues Era (1910-1950)

Essential artists and recordings of the early blues era

• Classic Female Blues Singers
• Piedmont Blues Pioneers
• Essential Early Blues Artists
• Overlooked Early Blues Artists
• Blues: The Devil's Music?

Modern Blues Era (1950-1980)

The critically-acclaimed and commercial boom years of the blues, from 1950 to 1980.

• Country Blues Pioneers
• Modern Blues Artists You Should Know
• Ten Best Chicago Blues Songs
• Instant Record Collection: Chicago Blues

Blues-Rock (1960-present)

The blues had a baby and they called it "rock & roll"!

• Essential Blues-Rock Bands
• The Heaviest Blues-Rock Bands
• Essential Blues-Rock Guitarists
• Woodstock 1969 Revisited